Winter is a wonderful season, and having the possibility of spending it in your mountain house can be magical!
Pure snow, cozy and warm evenings by the fireplace are what winter is all about. But, to truly enjoy spending time in a winter wonderland house, you should complete a home maintenance checklist to ensure your family’s safety and keep your home in the best shape for the upcoming winter season. Stocking up on essential supplies, and checking if the house is in good shape are some of the essentials one must consider before spending time in a mountain house.
Below are some of the things to put on your checklist before you plan a winter vacation up in the mountains.
Stock up on Essential Supplies
You must stock up on supplies that you will need during your stay in your house on the mountain. Supplying it with essentials for heating, maintenance, and such is important to make your stay there more comfortable and safe. You might also want to consider supplying gasoline in case you run out of fuel in your car, and also for tools and electricity generators for portable and emergency power supply.
You must follow proper regulations since it’s a flammable liquid that can be extremely dangerous if not handled properly. The best way to transport gasoline would be to take necessary precautions and follow regulations set by OSHA and DOT for safe gasoline transportation to protect you and those around you. Also, make sure you understand which standards apply to your circumstances in determining what kind of safety cans you need to transport gasoline.
Outdoor Preparations
There are a couple of things that should be done before winter starts including tree removal, cleaning the driveway, and so on. Aging trees can be quite dangerous particularly for mountain homes. The best time to remove trees that have grown too large and can fall on your house would be in late winter and early spring while they’re dormant. You should also think about weatherproofing exterior pipes since freezing temperatures can cause serious problems for them.
Check the roof and clean the gutters. To avoid ice dams, keep the roof at the same temperature by increasing ventilation and adding insulation. Drain outdoor faucets to avoid freezing and don’t forget to place a snow shovel at each door. Fill in holes and ruts in the driveway and remove debris and large rocks. The driveway should be accessible in case you need to leave although there’s plenty of snow.
Check the House
First, check the windows and doors for drafts and leaks. Weatherproof the doors and windows to keep the cold from infiltrating your home. Leaks and cracks can also lead to increased heating costs. Consider weatherstripping your doors and windows to repair minor leakage issues, but if the problems are severe you may want to replace them. Clean the vents and sweep the chimney to avoid house fires and carbon monoxide poisoning.
Another very important home maintenance is to keep up with your heating system’s efficiency. Cover the HVAC system to prevent damage from debris and moisture. If you’re using a furnace, make sure you clean out the air filters and ducts, or if needed think of replacing them. Don’t forget to do a thorough checkup on the entire house to make sure it’s winter-ready.
Be Ready for any Weather
Staying in a mountain house means you must be prepared if there’s any snowstorm on the horizon. Pay attention to the weather to have plenty of time to prepare, and have your home and car emergency kits ready to go. Make sure your car has a full gas tank in case you must leave. Portable generators are essential in case there’s a power outage. Remember to purchase salt, sand, or ice melt before the first snowfall. This will also help when shoveling the driveway and sidewalk.
Cold weather can do a number on your house, so you should think about protecting it by completing the home maintenance checklist before the cold takes hold. Consider insulating the exposed pipes in the attic and basement to prevent them from bursting, and make sure your sump pump works properly. Also, insulate walls and ceilings to prevent condensation, and clean the gutters to avoid damages.
Final Thoughts
Having your mountain house winter-ready is very important to stay safe and cozy while staying there. Although there are many things to check from your maintenance list, you’ll be glad to do so, since you won’t have to experience any problems. Don’t forget to stock up on important supplies, scan the whole house, and be prepared for a snowstorm before going there with your family and friends.
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